About Appalachian Studies

The Appalachian Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program offered by the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Kentucky to students with serious interest in the Appalachian regional studies. Currently our list of minor and undergraduate certificate includes students from 8 different colleges spread among 16 different departments! 

An undergraduate minor in Appalachian Studies offers students with serious interest in the Appalachian regional studies an opportunity to pursue a minor concentration to complement a major in one of the University's professional or liberal arts programs. The Appalachian Studies program enables students to comprehend more fully the history, health, social structure, environment and culture of the region - its people, its challenges and its future.

An undergraduate certificate in Appalachian Studies focuses on developing an understanding of Appalachia, particularly Appalachian Kentucky in historical, social/cultural, physical, and comparative context. 

A graduate certificate in Appalachian Studies may be earned concurrently with graduate degrees across Colleges at the University of Kentucky or independently, with enrollment through the Graduate School and acceptance by the Appalachian Studies Program Director. This is a transdisciplinary certificate, providing training in multiple colleges and disciplinary perspectives to complement graduate students’ disciplinary research, engagement, and career goals with a focus on the Appalachian region.